We love a firmware upgrade. On paper, they can appear dull, but in practice, they can make one hell of a difference to the performance and capabilities of your favourite camera kit

On that note, we’ve been informed by our chums at Panasonic, of new firmware upgrades that will offer heightened performance for three of the most popular LUMIX cameras, the DC-GH5, GH5S and also the recently announced DC-G9. The updates will offer users improvements such as sharper Autofocus performance, new monochrome Photo Styles and improved sound quality for shooting video. Read on for full details as announced by Panasonic:

LUMIX DC-GH5: Firmware Version 2.3

• Improved AF performance: increased tracking AF performance, allowing users to easily follow subjects while recording movies
• Monochrome D & Grain effect: The new L. Monochrome D captures even darker tones and greater contrast, with grain effects available in different strengths for all monochrome settings, a fantastic addition to the many black and white options of LUMIX cameras
• Live View Boost: viewfinder screen and LCD monitor can be displayed brighter than the image recorded, allowing users to check the composition in low-light environments and helping to frame their perfect shot
• MF Assist: more accurate manual focusing for stills or moving images, thanks to up to 20x magnification available in MF Assist mode
• Night Mode: camera screen displays all information in red, so photographers and subjects are not disturbed by white light emission
• Like 709 & V-LogL improvements: Like 709, V-LogL* and V-LogL* View Assist in Photo Style can now be used for still photo shooting and time-lapse video. [LUT Monitor Display*] and [LUT HDMI Display*] can be used in playback mode to check the appearance.
• Enhanced sound quality: sound quality has been improved by optimising the performance of the internal noise cancelling microphone

*Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU1 is required [sold separately].

LUMIX DC-GH5S: Firmware Version 1.1

• Improved AF performance: the autofocus for lowlight and low-contrast photo shooting has been improved
• Monochrome D & Grain effect: The new L. Monochrome D captures even darker tones and greater contrast, with grain effects available in different strengths for all monochrome settings – a fantastic addition to the many black and white options of LUMIX cameras
• Enhanced sound quality: sound quality has been improved by optimising the performance of the internal noise cancelling microphone
• Better Control of Video Settings: Vector Scope can be displayed on the screen while adjusting white balance

LUMIX DC-G9: Firmware Version 1.1

• Improved AF performance: Enhanced tracking AF performance allowing users to easily follow their subject while recording movies
• Monochrome D & Grain effect: The new L. Monochrome D captures even darker tones and greater contrast, with grain effects available in different strengths for all monochrome settings – a great addition to the many black and white options of LUMIX cameras
• Live View Boost: Viewfinder screen and LCD monitor can be displayed brighter than the image recorded, allowing users to check the composition in low-light environments and helping to frame their perfect shot
• MF Assist: More accurate manual focusing for stills or moving images, thanks up to 20x magnification available in MF Assist mode
• Improved High-Resolution Mode: Photographers will appreciate the expanded aperture range of the G9’s high-resolution mode, from F8 to F11, and the improved motion correction
• Enhanced sound quality: sound quality has been improved by optimising the performance of the internal noise cancelling microphone